At the Corrugated Conference taking place at Corrugated 2026 from 19 – 22 May at Fira de Barcelona, Javier Quesada from KENTO and Lorenzo de la Mora, CEO of Cervezas Gran Vía will present a real-world business case analysing the slow adoption of digital printing in corrugated packaging. By comparing analogue, digital, and hybrid technologies, the session reveals the most cost-effective production methods, helping manufacturers and FMCG brands choose the ideal printing strategy.
Almost a quarter of a century ago, I began my professional journey in the corrugated industry, serving on the management teams of major companies such as Saica and DS Smith across Europe and North Africa. Even back then, my most seasoned colleagues were already predicting the accelerated digitalization of our box manufacturing processes, particularly regarding printing.
The first industrial digital printers for corrugated packaging began to be installed over 10 years ago in Europe and North America. However, even today, the volume of digitally printed boxes remains insignificant, and the pace of this technology’s adoption has been much slower than expected.
Over the last decade, my career has focused on developing digital printing and converting technologies for corrugated. In 2020, I launched the KENTO project to design and manufacture hybrid printing and converting machinery. Our goal is to combine the best of the digital and analog worlds to enhance efficiency in corrugated transformation.
At the Corrugated Theatre during FESPA 2026 from 19 – 22 May, we will present a business case to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of all available printing and converting technologies for corrugated board.
Together with Lorenzo de la Mora, CEO of Cervezas Gran Vía—a brewery based in Seville—we will share the selection process for the ideal technology for their packaging. After consulting with various corrugated packaging manufacturers, we obtained the acquisition costs for the boxes Cervezas Gran Vía requires, using different production processes, both analog and digital.
The business case that Lorenzo and I will present at the Corrugated Theater will use real figures to demonstrate which technologies are best suited for producing Cervezas Gran Vía’s boxes. Additionally, we will share a qualitative analysis of the ideal market space for analog and digital technologies, covering both pre-print and post-print.
I believe the conclusions of the Cervezas Gran Vía business case help clearly explain the reasons behind the current low adoption of digital technologies in corrugated converting.
This presentation is aimed at two specific audiences: first, corrugated packaging consumers, such as FMCG producers; and second, corrugated packaging manufacturers who use various printing and converting machinery, whether analog or digital.
The audience will gain the necessary insights to understand when analog remains the best alternative, when digital is the right choice, or when a combination of both is the way forward.
We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona!
Register now for Corrugated 2026, visitors can purchase super early bird tickets for €30 until 23 March by using the code FESG601.
Coming to Fira Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026, Corrugated is a new dedicated exhibition with curated conference content aimed at corrugated converters. Visitors can purchase super early bird tickets for €30 until 23 March by using the code FESG601.